Armstrong boosts Raiders
RAIDERS have been given a major boost ahead of Canterbury’s visit to Footes Lane tomorrow by the return of flying fullback Anthony Armstrong.
The Guernsey fullback suffered a posterior dislocation of his shoulder in the first home game of the season against Worthing in September and it was feared that he would be on the sidelines until 2019.
However, after consulting a specialist, it was determined that Armstrong did not require surgery and his rehabilitation has gone well, which has seen him passed fit for selection.
With Luke Sayer unavailable this week, Armstrong has been named in the provisional XV for tomorrow’s crucial match.
‘Obviously he has been out for a while and just having him back in the squad will be good, although it will take him some time to return to the form he had before the injury,’ said coach Jordan Reynolds.
‘He has done all his strength tests and everything looks strong and intact, so we have got him back earlier than expected.
‘It is just about getting him some game time now and getting him back up to speed.’
Armstrong’s return comes a week after winger Daley Aremu made his comeback after suffering a foot injury in that same Worthing match.
‘Having them back gives us a bit of speed there [in the back three], which is fantastic to have,’ Reynolds said.
‘For us, it is now a case of ensuring we have the ability to get them the ball in the right space where they can be effective.’
Provisional Raiders team to face Canterbury on Saturday, 2pm, at Footes Lane: Steventon, Ceillam, L. Batiste, Hillier, Merrien, Le Cocq, Rice, Horrocks, Clemett, Greenhalgh, Gow, J. Batiste, Ahne, Aremu, Armstrong. Replacements: Anderson, Craine, Shannon, Morisio, Bolton.
